This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tamara Cornwell, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1 (Not Present)

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1 (Entered the meeting at 7:07 pm)

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

1.               Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Commissioner Sunshine Joiner, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.

 

 

All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.

 

 

 

2.               CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

MOTION:                   Commissioner Joiner moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded,

and the motion carried 3-0 to approve the April 1, 2024 City Commission Agenda.

 

 

 

3.                 NATIONAL TARTAN DAY PROCLAMATION

 

The Proclamation was accepted by Bob Greene with New World Celts.

 

 

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April 1, 2024

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4.               WATER CONSERVATION MONTH PROCLAMATION

 

The Proclamation was accepted by Mr. Moe Rayan on behalf of Bruno Kapacinkas, Government Affairs Regional Manager with Southwest Florida Water Management District.

 

 

5.               CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAMATION

 

The Proclamation was accepted by Celeste Martins, with Manatee Children’s Services.

 

 

6.               SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS PROCLAMATION

 

The Proclamation was accepted by Tari Allan, Trauma Services Manager with Centerstone.

 

 

7.               DONATE LIFE MONTH PROCLAMATION

 

The Proclamation was accepted by Frances Negron with the Life Link Foundation.

 

 

8.               PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Ali Abdel-Qader spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Gabby Aguilera spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

El Chesson spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Robert Ewing spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Peyton Hoey spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Franklin Perez spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Tracey Washington spoke regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death.

Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke regarding the Lincoln Park pool, the Lincoln Park sign and Breonte Johnson Davis.

Charles Smith spoke on the July 4^th Celebration and the Multi-Cultural Festival.

Christel Ware spoke on MLK Park.

 

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the meeting at 7:48 pm.

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 7:53 pm.

 

 Memorandum regarding Breonte Johnson Davis’ death was read by Mayor Bryant.

 

 

9.               CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: 2/26/24 & 3/4/24

b. Salary Study Piggyback contract with Evergreen Solutions LLC

c. Legal Invoices

 

 

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April 1, 2024

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                    MOTION:                   Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell

seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting to open the April 1, 2024 CRA Board Meeting at 7:55 pm.

 

 

 

 Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 8:56 pm.

 

 

 

10.          JANUARY 2024 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

11.             Traffic Update

 

Mr. Rayan reported that the roundabout at US 41 and 23^rd Street will be switching traffic to the outside lanes traveling northbound to continue construction. They are anticipating the project will be completed in June 2024.

 

 

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

12.             DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

 

 

Chief Tyler and staff members will be meeting with FDOT and CSX tomorrow to survey several of the railroad crossings.

 

Mr. Freeman asked if the Commission would agree to moving the last meeting in September from September 23^rd to September 30^th. Commissioner Williams asked if they could vote at the next meeting once he had a chance to look at his calendar. Mr. Freeman will bring it up at the next meeting.

 

 Mr. Rayan noted that the contractor mobilized for the dredging project at Jet Mobile Homes, which will be the outlet point for Carr Drain. It will be an approximately 24-foot-wide navigational channel.

 

 

 

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April 1, 2024

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 Mr. Barnebey responded to Ms. Ware’s public comment. He stated that they bought the property from Al Washington over 10 years ago, which is part of the MLK Park. He would be happy to talk to anyone about the issue, if they wish.

 

 

 

13.             MAYOR’S REPORT

 

Mayor Bryant was happy they moved forward with the playground project for MLK Park during the CRA Board meeting. She also stated that she was happy about new businesses coming to Palmetto.

 

 

 

 

14.             COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Rayan to check on the bushes along the fence line near Jackson Park off 5^th Avenue. He wanted to know if it was their property or the City’s property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 9:01 pm.